Does This Come In Chromium?

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Kevin Freeman (host of DOC'S COMICS and writer of SUBCULTURE) follow the holo-cursor to the com-center where they discuss 1994's FORCE WORKS #1. Probably most known for its cumbersome (but cool) fold-out cover and its unceremonious killing of Wonder Man, Force Works was pitched to audiences as a more relevant and proactive Avengers.  A team that would stop problems before they started.  It's an interesting premise, but was it executed well?  The short answer is no -- but when taking into account massively successful stories like AVENGERS DISASSEMBLED and CIVIL WAR, it's possible to make a case that Force Works was just ahead of its time. Of course, since this is Does This Come in Chromium, Matt doesn't spend a lot of time making that case.  Instead he pines for the day that AVENGERS: THE CROSSING gets its redemption arc.  TEENAGE TONY STARK WILL HAVE HIS DAY! Also, Kevin shares his love for the Avengers (and safari jacket wearing Wonder Man) and shows that he truly knows the way to Matt's heart by pitching a FORCE WORKS/EXTREME JUSTICE crossover.  While Nightman may or may not be mentioned, Matt's dogs do make several appearances throughout the show.  Apparently, they had a lot to say/bark about Force Works.  Watch and subscribe to DOC'S COMICS: www.youtube.com/@ksfphd Follow Kevin on BlueSky: @ksfphd.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and returning special guest co-host Eric Shonborn get imprisoned in space by some Hard-Skins and decide to pass the time by talking about 1993's X-O MANOWAR #0. Like any proper episode of Does This Come in Chromium, Matt derails the conversation immediately by analyzing Manowar lyrics.  Then, lest you think the episode gets back on track, Matt and Eric spend almost forty minutes discussing their love of Ted Kord as Blue Beetle. After that, the conversation about X-O Manowar begins.  Both Matt and Eric agree that the Ron Maz/Bart Sears run rules - which is great because that's not what they're here to talk about. Along the way, Eric recalls his rebellious youth where he refused to follow Wizard Magazine's marching orders, while Matt obsesses over whether or not "Jorge Gonzalez" is a real person. Is Nightman mentioned in this episode?  Probably. SUPPORT ERIC BY PURCHASING SOME OF HIS ART: https://www.shonborn.net/ Follow Eric on BlueSky: @shonborn.net Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and returning special guest co-host Glitch delay rocking the vote in order to discuss 1992's WILDC.A.T.S #2. If you take away anything from this episode, it should be the knowledge that the WildC.A.T.s are most assuredly NOT the X-Men.  Nor are they Cyberforce (also not the X-Men).  Now WildC.A.T.s and Cyberforce do have something in common - very dull, bland leaders (okay...maybe they are the X-Men).  Spartan and Heatwave are boring (so it should be no surprise that they are Matt's favorite characters). But this episode isn't about Cyberforce.  It's about WildC.A.T.s and the Wildstorm Universe - which Glitch genuinely loves. Nightman is probably mentioned somewhere, but Matt cannot remember for sure.  So listen and find out! Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Mike Thompson (co-host of TEN CENT TAKES) wait nervously in line, desperately hoping they are on the VIP list for the grand opening of Warriors.  The line is long, so to pass the time they discuss 1994's GUY GARDNER: WARRIOR #29. This issue is a true celebration of where DC Comics was in the early-90's -- there was nary a (Dark)star in the sky as they were all here at Warriors.  Gunfire! Ballistic! Wonder Woman (Artemis)! Lady Blackhawk! Damage! Rocket Red! Loose Cannon! Blue Devil! And so many more! Plus, Matt fails to explain what the whole deal with Guy Gardner and Dementor was about, while Mike recalls using AOL to log on to DC Comics Online (NERD!). Also, both Mike and Matt kind of wish that Guy had become DC's version of Rick from CASABLANCA. As per usual, Nightman is likely mentioned at some point.  If not, no worries because Bloodwynd definitely gets mentioned.  Listen and subscribe to Ten Cent Takes: https://www.tencenttakes.com/ Follow Ten Cent Takes on BlueSky: @tencenttakes.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt is joined by his "chromeboys" (tm) Ian Springer (screenwriter of FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS) and David Walton (FANTASTIC HUMAN BEING) to order an almost giant birthday cake and argue about proper birthday party protocol while also discussing 1994's JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA #'s 86-88 "Cult of the Machine". Matt intended to spring a devious trap on Ian and David by making them read this story, but they escaped unscathed and with their dignity intact.  Whereas Matt's brain broke.  Seriously.  Just listen to the episode and you'll hear Matt as a broken man who is reduced to rambling semi-coherently. Also, Ian talks about how one could weaponize Galactus, while David proves himself as fast on his feet when asked to explain the theology underpinning the Cult of the Machine. Oh, and Dreamslayer is one sassy villain.  That kind of rules! Please listen and enjoy Ian and David while doing your best to tolerate Matt. Support Ian by watching FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS (now streaming on Disney+ and available to purchase on DVD/Blu-ray). Follow David on BlueSky: @benreilly149.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and returning special guest co-host Ian Anderson travel to a dead planet in the butt end of the galaxy in order to talk about 1993's TRANSFORMERS GENERATION 2 #1. Ian recounts his earliest days on the information superhighway visiting Alt.Toys.Transformers, his love for both Galvatron, why BEAST WARS is still amazing, and how Transformers can be considered "gateway body horror". While Matt tries to become a more professional podcaster and (mostly) refrains from talking about GOBOTS. Also, it's a safe bet that Matt mentions Nightman again. Follow Ian on BlueSky: @comicbookian.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On the extra special BONUS episode, Matt brings his longtime best friend Eric Hutchins together with his newest friend Dash for their first ever conversation - which, in true Does This Come in Chromium fashion, was SUPPOSED to be about 1989's JAMES BOND: PERMISSION TO DIE #1 (written and illustrated by comics legend MIKE GRELL!)... ...but it ends up being about pretty much the entire James Bond franchise. And that while Eric and Matt were seeing GOLDENEYE in the theater, Dash was literally an infant.  This fact still echoes through Matt's brain.  Haunting him relentlessly. Also, pay close attention for one of the greatest moments in podcasting history that can only be described as SPECTACULAR STEVEN SEAGAL SYNCHRONICITY! Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Tim Board (webmaster of hawkworld.org) walk the mean streets of Chicago's Netherworld neighborhood while discussing 1993's HAWKMAN #1. Tim has been a fan of Hawkman ever since 1977 when he saw a drawing by the great Neal Adams and has devoted countless hours celebrating all things Thanagarian -- so of course Matt invited him on the show to talk about the new (?), mysterious (?), edgy (?) Hawkman that debuted (?) in 1993 in the comic with the shiny gold cover. Importantly, Tim sets the record straight on whether or not Hawkman is a fascist (spoiler alert: the answer is NO!). Less importantly, Matt speaks favorably of the Chase Lawler Manhunter and clearly loves Deadline a little too much. NOTE: There were some technical difficulties while recording, so please forgive the occasional pause or awkward edit.  Support Tim by checking out https://www.hawkworld.org/ Follow Tim on BlueSky: @hawkworld.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

The DOES THIS COME IN CHROMIUM/THAT GIFFEN SHOW crossover extravaganza begins here! On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Al Sedano (host of THAT GIFFEN SHOW) participate in the grand comic book tradition of shameless crossovers by talking about 1992's ECLIPSO: THE DARKNESS WITHIN #1. Right away Matt makes it clear that ECLIPSO: THE DARKNESS WITHIN is his all-time favorite annual crossover event (sorry BLOODLINES), while Al explains the differences between DC's and Marvel's annual crossovers (he also admits to buying TEN copies of X-FORCE #1, so he's clearly a rich man now). Both Al and Matt applaud Eclipso for his masterful evil plan of keeping solar scientist extraordinaire Bruce Gordon slightly befuddled, while also not being able to figure out what exactly is up with Valor's haircut. Look for part 2 of this epic crossover coming soon to THAT GIFFEN SHOW! Support Al by subscribing and listening to THAT GIFFEN SHOW: https://asedano.podbean.com/ Follow Al on BlueSky: @thatgiffenshow.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Bobby Trippett (host of the GRINDBIN PODCAST) rebuild themselves as ChromiumCops in order to discuss 1992's ROBOCOP VERSUS THE TERMINATOR #1. The first thing you need to know is that, while he's a self-professed man of many obsessions, Bobby loves ROBOCOP (1987) more than anyone else on this planet.  It's just a fact.  There's no point in arguing it. It would be helpful if right here it could be said that Matt loves THE TERMINATOR (1984) more than anyone else on this planet.  But that wouldn't be true.  Although Matt does want a SALUTE YOUR SHORTS/TERMINATOR crossover called TERMINATE YOUR SHORTS more than anyone else on this planet. This is all a long way of saying that you, dear listeners, are in the very capabable hands of 50% of the hosts on this episode.  That 50% has an incredible level of knowledge and insight not just on the comic and its characters - but also the video games it inspired. The other 50% brings up Nightman.  Again.  Support Bobby by subscribing and listening to the Grindbin Podcast: https://grindbin.libsyn.com/ Follow Bobby on BlueSky: @bobbytrippett.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt has the honor of sitting down with Ingi (lead guitar) and Atli (lead vocals) of the Icelandic power metal band POWER PALADIN to talk about their incredible new album, "Beyond the Reach of Enchantment" (pre-order info below) and the song from 2022 that put them on the map, "Kraven the Hunter". Of course, since this is an episode of Does This Come in Chromium, the conversation does not stick to just the topics at hand, but also goes into Power Paladin's origins, anti-viking sentiment, how Atli learned to sing (for the record: Matt is still skeptical about this because Atli's too damn good at singing to be so new at it), being a secret Warhammer fan, songwriting inspiration, and ruminations about short people being the best power metal singers (you know it was Matt that brought this up). The best thing about this conversation is that you'll leave it having met two of the members of your new favorite band - POWER PALADIN! And never forget - with great power comes great metal! Power Paladin's new album, "Beyond the Reach of Enchantment" will be released March 27th 2026, by Roar, a division of Reigning Phoenix. Pre-order the album now on Power Paladin's official site: https://www.powerpaladin.is/ Reigning Phoenix Music's official site: https://reigningphoenixmusic.com/ Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Ian Anderson send the old wizard calling on the bathroom mirror straight to voicemail so they can talk amongst themselves about 1992's INCREDIBLE HULK #400. Right off the bat, it's established that Matt is not Ian's dad.  With that out of the way, Ian does an amazing...no, wait -- an INCREDIBLE job explaining the Hulk and his supporting cast (including the Pantheon) to Matt, who spends most of the episode wondering if he would look cool in purple pants.  He's still undecided. Along the way, Matt and Ian reflect on how difficult it was in the 1990's to catch up on a title you got into late, and also that Chris Bachalo draws the best Hydra agents ever! Oh, and Matt talks about Nightman.  Again.  He has a problem.  Follow Ian on BlueSky: @comicbookian.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt sits down with musician and lifelong G.I. Joe fan Gus Rios. After proving himself as a talented and hard working drummer in the death metal scene with bands like Malevolent Creation and Gruesome, Gus got the phone call that would bring his passion for both music and G.I. Joe together to create Cold Slither. Well, to create the REAL Cold Slither.  The band, lead by the villainous Zartan, already existed in animated form - and now Gus was going to make them flesh and blood.  If you don't know anything about Cold Slither or even G.I. Joe, fear not because Gus explains it all in a way that showcases just how passionate and thoughtful he is about the music he creates and the reverence he has for the source material. Along the way, Gus speaks very openly and admirably about his struggles with depression and a suicide attempt in 2019 that lead to him seeking professional help, putting the kind of hardwork he always brought to music into healing, and emerging from the darkest point in his life with a deeper love for G.I. Joe and its cast of, as Gus says, "fictional characters, real heroes". Normally, I'd make some sort of self-deprecating joke about the episode here, but not this time.  This time I'm going to very sincerely say: you don't just want to listen, you NEED to listen to this episode. Support Gus and Cold Slither by buying the album: https://shopus.reigningphoenixmusic.com/collections/cold-slither Follow Gus on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gusriosofficial/?hl=en Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and returning guest co-host David Walton slap a starfish on their chests and dodge uncomfortable innuendos while talking about 1993's WILDSTAR: SKY ZERO #1. Who and what is Wildstar?  Neither David or Matt are totally sure.  But the comic is pencilled by Jerry Ordway - and they both LOVE Jerry Ordway! Matt wonders if Wildstar began as a Captain Atom versus Starro story, while David worries that he doesn't know what words mean anymore due to the excessive use of air quotes throughout the issue. This is a wild(star) comic and the episode is a must listen (but make sure to finish up all of your quantum electrodynamics homework first)! Follow David on BlueSky: @benreilly149.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Lee Russell (host of THEY MUST BE DESTROYED ON SIGHT!) steal some nice shoes and try to not get too distracted by the curves on a baritone sax as they discuss 1993's ECTOKID #1. Matt does his best to explain how and why Marvel Comics tasked famed horror author Clive Barker to create an original line of superheroes, but really he can't stop being confused about why it's called Razorline and not (as everything in the comic would suggest) the Barkerverse.  Lee thinks its because the Barkerverse belongs to the late Bob Barker.  That adds up. Also, Lee shares his opinion that ECTOKID is THE MATRIX with ghosts.  A ghost matrix, if you will.  Or possibly a ghostrix. And in true Does This Come in Chromium fashion, Matt goes on a prologned tangent about WES CRAVEN PRESENTS: THEY, the movie from 2002 that everyone totally remembers and has opinions about. So kick back, sip on an Ecto Cooler, and enjoy! Support Lee by subscribing and listening to the They Must Be Destroyed on Sight!: https://tmbdos.podbean.com/ Follow Lee on BlueSky: @tmbdos.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Corey Blake prove that they can in fact handle the truth as they discuss 1992's NEW WARRIORS #25. This is yet another entry in the "Matt thought he knew a lot about..." series because Matt really thought he knew a lot about the New Warriors.  But he was wrong.  As always. Corey does know a lot about the New Warriors.  He pretty much knows everything a person can know about them - and the love he has for these characters really shines bright.  Even if you've never heard of the New Warriors, Corey will convert you into a fan by the end of the episode. Of course Matt derails the conversation by repeatedly referencing Optimus Prime getting decapitated and appreciating Speedball's taste in tv shows. SUPPORT COREY BY CHECKING OUT HIS NEW WARRIORS COVERAGE: https://linktr.ee/newwarriorstalk Follow Corey on BlueSky: @newwarriorstalk.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)  

It's BAT-TIME again!  On this BAT-BONUS episode Matt and special guest co-host Matthew Dow Smith (writer/artist of THE OCTOBER GIRL, DC's MISFITS OF MAGIC) get grossed out by having to inhabit corpses in order to hide from an Aztec mummy death cult while talking about 1996's BATMAN #530. As Batman and Deadman teamup to solve a mystery, Matt is hoping that no one notices he forgot the word "podcast" in the show's intro, while Matthew wishes characters were allowed to be aged out and replaced. Plus, because this is a very topical and timely podcast the winners of the 1996 Comic Buyer's Guide Fan Awards are discussed. Beware the mummy (and Batman's pointy ears)! Follow Matthew on BlueSky: @matthewdowsmith.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Eric Shonborn act like a couple of dudes who've had their minds bombed as they discuss 1996's CARNAGE: MIND BOMB. While the writer of this comic may be a reprehensible human, the artist is the incredibly talented Kyle Hotz - so Eric and Matt spend much of the episode heaping richly-deserved praise on him and his work. Also, Matt makes it VERY obvious that he has no idea how podcasts work, while Eric tells a great story about meeting Kyle Hotz (that Matt immediately tramples all over because he wants to talk about the Ultraverse character Nightman). Make sure to listen to the entire episode because it ends in possibly the most baffling way imaginable. SUPPORT ERIC BY PURCHASING SOME OF HIS ART: https://www.shonborn.net/ Follow Eric on BlueSky: @shonborn.net Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)  

On this episode Matt sits down with BATMAN (1989) screenwriter Sam Hamm to talk about his first foray into comic book writing with 1989's "Blind Justice" (originally published in DETECTIVE COMICS #'s 598-600). Sam discusses the differences between writing Batman for the big screen versus the printed page, while Matt tries to remain composed and not embarrass himself in front of Sam FREAKING Hamm!  Spoiler alert: Matt does not succeed. Also, does Batman need a Robin at his side?  And has the truly evil mastermind in Batman's world been hiding in plain sight all along?  Sam has answers to those questions that you will not want to miss! Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Pat Casey (screenwriter of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG and VIOLENT NIGHT) pull an all-nighter (but plan to catch up on sleep in algebra class) as they discuss 1992's ROBIN III #1: CRY OF THE HUNTRESS. Both Matt and Pat love Tim Drake, so in true Does This Come in Chromium fashion this discussion is much more of a Tim Drake as Robin celebration than it is specifically about the awkwardly titled ROBIN III #1: CRY OF THE HUNTRESS PART ONE.  But don't worry, they do talk about the comic in detail as well -- especially the parts that feature Tim's amazing spiked hair, The Huntress, and of course KGBeast! Plus, Matt recounts the premise of an old time radio show called ROGUE'S GALLERY, which posited the idea that repeated head trauma actually makes someone a better detective -- while Pat remembers the time he auditioned for a role in THE MIGHTY DUCKS despite not knowing how to ice skate. Support Pat by watching his movies and following him on BlueSky: @patcasey.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Comicfoil Chad move faster than a fax as they discuss 1994's NOVA #1. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Nova, the Human Rocket which Chad has been joyously celebrating on BlueSky.  Ever the opportunist, Matt decided to reach out to Chad and force him to talk about the edgier, scruffier, ponytailed 1994 version of Nova who complains about yogurt shops and yuppies. But like all episodes of Does This Come in Chromium, the conversation rarely sticks to the issue at hand, and instead becomes a celebration of all eras of Nova (except the whole "Kid Nova" thing, that was dumb).  It's always wonderful to hear someone talk about a character they truly love, and Chad does just that. For his part, Matt gets stuck trying to figure out if DC's The Ray is the same as Nova.  He thinks they might be the same character, but then again, all white guys with yellow bucket-helmets look the same to him. Listen to the episode and have a SPANNGG-PLANGGing good time with us! Follow Chad on BlueSky: @comicfoil.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/)

On this EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE Matt and guest co-host Glitch put on their raddest concert going attire and try their best to avoid Cable as they discuss 1992's UNCANNY X-MEN #294. Both Matt and Glitch cannot stand how X-Cutioner is spelled versus how it is supposed to be pronounced.  In fact, Matt is annoyed about it all over again while typing these show notes.  It's entirely possible that we are witnessing his J-Ker (it's pronounced Joker) origin. More importantly, and the real reason to listen to this episode is to get to know Glitch - who was born in Poland during the rule of an authoritarian regime where American comic books were forbidden, taught himself English by watching bootleg tapes of G.I. JOE and ALF, and would go on to find a real love of the Wildstorm Universe. This is an incredible conversation that no one will want to miss! Also, its really really REALLY stupid that we're supposed to pronounce X-Cutioner as executioner.  It should've been X-Ecutioner. Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/) This time Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound had nothing to do with the audio, so direct any and all complaints to Matt because he is the reason it sounds like it does.  

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Michael Tanner (writer of ORCS IN SPACE, JUNIOR BRAVES OF THE APOCALYPSE, and more!) dodge arrows and evade dinosaurs with metal hats as they talk about 1993's TUROK, DINOSAUR HUNTER #1. Matt and Tanner aren't sure this is a good first issue, but they also aren't sure it's a bad one.  Dinosaurs are hunted, so it delivers on its promise.  Turok is nude often and has a way with women.  There's a lot of walking.  Plus, a straight out of a 1980's action movie Colombian drug lord is introduced.  He's not a dinosaur, but Matt and Tanner have a sneaking suspicion that ol' Turok will be hunting him in a future issue.   Look, the comic is fine okay...it's fine...but the real reason you need to listen to this episode is to hear Tanner regale Matt with the legend of DUSTY MICRONAUT! Support Tanner by buying his comics: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Michael-Tanner/142048197 Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Bobby Trippett (host of the GRINDBIN PODCAST)  mask up and enter the Mindscape so they can discuss 1992's SLEEPWALKER #19. If you love deep dives into lesser known characters, then this is the episode for you!  As per usual, Matt thought he knew a decent amount about Sleepwalker, but it turns out that he was wrong.  Fear not though because Bobby reveals himself to not only be a superfan, but a true Sleepwalker expert/dream master. But can Bobby answer the question - Is Sleepwalker a bad teammate?  And what does he think about Matt's theory that Sleepwalker is the A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Part 2 of superhero comics? You'll have to stay awake and listen to find out! Support Bobby by subscribing and listening to the Grindbin Podcast: https://grindbin.libsyn.com/ Follow Bobby on BlueSky: @bobbytrippett.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/) This time Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound had nothing to do with the audio, so direct any and all complaints to Matt because he is the reason the theme song doesn't fade out, but instead just abruptly stops.

On this episode Matt and special guest host Doug Wortel (producer of RANDOM ACTS OF COMICS with TODD DEZAGO) try their best not to close their eyes because they don't want to miss a thing while talking about 1993's SHADOWMAN #19. It's safe to say that this is the wildest episode of Does This Come in Chromium yet -- and honestly, with Aerosmith guest starring in a superhero comic, how could it be anything but wild? Matt spends an inordinate amount of time feeling old as he explains the little differences between MTV and VH1 in 1993, while Doug reveals that he is in the "Paradise City" video. Also, Matt and Doug agree that writer/artist Bob Hall deserves incredible amounts of praise for his work on this issue.  It is truly a feat to behold! Long live Joey Hotsauce! Support Doug by subscribing and listening to: RANDOM ACTS OF COMICS with TODD DEZAGO (https://www.randomactsofcomics.com/) Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/) If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Will Pfeifer (writer of CATWOMAN, HERO, AQUAMAN) try not to get caught by the chromium chain and sent to the House of Corrections as they discuss 1993's CHAIN GANG WAR #1. Despite never having read an issue until now, CHAIN GANG WAR has loomed inexplicably large over Matt's comic book reading life.  And yet, he still can't figure out exactly why DC Comics decided to publish the series in the first place.  But he also wants to read the other 11 issues.  Matt's complicated. Will just learned that CHAIN GANG WAR exists (he was too busy reading hipster comics or "comix" in the 1990's) but he quickly develops an appreciation for its extensive usage of sound effects and the fashion style of one particular character. Also, ATTENTION WRITING NERDS: Will shares some fantastic insights on his writing process.  Spoiler alert: More stick figures than you'd expect are involved. Follow Will on BlueSky: @willpfeifer.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/) If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!

On this episode Matt and special guest co-hosts Ian Springer and Jeff Kaplan try to figure out why this is not your parents' comics magazine by discussing 1993's FANTASTIC FOUR #375...but really they spend most of the time talking about 2025's FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Matt's first steps into this episode are filled with far too many "uhhhhs" and for those he apologizes, whereas Ian and Jeff talk about what it was like writing the iconic Fantastic Four for the big screen.  Aspiring screenwriters should pay extra attention because Ian and Jeff go deep on what their pitching and writing processes for FIRST STEPS was like. Of course this is DOES THIS COME IN CHROMIUM so no episode would be complete without a conversation about a very shiny comic, and boy howdy is FANTASTIC FOUR #375 just that.  What do two of the writers of the most iconic big screen version of Marvel's First Family make of their 1993 counterparts?  You'll have to listen to find out. Also, with a very minor bit of prompting by Jeff, Ian recites the opening narration from the A-TEAM verbatim.  It's downright fantastic! Support Ian and Jeff by watching FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS (now streaming on Disney+ and available to purchase on DVD/Blu-ray). Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all.

POST-CRISIS SHOW NOTES: In true Legion of Superheroes fashion, this episode has been REBOOTED to correct errors in the audio syncing and the fact that Apple just wouldn't release it (I assume because Time Trapper threatened to erase them from existence if they did -- but it's cool now because I called in a favor and had my very emotionally stable buddy Hal "Parallax" Jordan straighten things out). Thankfully, now this episode has been freed from the great darkness, the clock has been set back to zero (hour), and you don't have to wait five years (later) to listen. If you were lucky enough to hear this already and it didn't sound like Matter-Eater Lad vomiting (you're welcome for that mental image), then why not listen again?  It's a great way to pass the time until the inevitable next reboot of the Legion of Superheros.  LONG LIVE GATES! PRE-CRISIS SHOW NOTES:  On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Pat Casey (screenwriter of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG and VIOLENT NIGHT) try not to fall under the control of C.O.M.P.U.T.O. or get insulted by Gates as they discuss 1998's LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #100. What quickly becomes clear is that Matt really doesn't know a lot about the Legion of Super-Heroes.  He thought he did.  But he was wrong. It's okay though, because Pat does know a lot about the Legion.  In fact, he's pretty much a sprocking Legion expert (but unlike Brainiac 5, he's far too humble to admit it). So if you are a Legion novice - fear not because Matt has the questions and Pat has the answers! LONG LIVE THE LEGION! Support Pat by watching his movies and following him on BlueSky: @patcasey.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/) If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!

On this BONUS episode Matt and returning special guest co-host Ian Springer (screenwriter of FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS) race against time to see who is the fastest podcaster alive while discussing 1993's THE FLASH #80. Is Wally West faster than Barry Allen?  Yes, he is.  Is Matt cooler than Ian?  They're stuck in a dead heat.  Where did the theme song go?  It's still there but you can't hear it because it's hit terminal velocity.  Why is this episode releasing early?  Because Matt had an impulse.  Why did Ian agree to come back on the show?  Because he was born to run (in this case run = podcast). If you're having trouble keeping up with Matt and Ian just remember: 3X2(9YZ)4A Support Ian's work by watching FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS now available on DVD/BluRay and streaming on Disney+ Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/) (While the theme song is not on this episode, you should always listen to Mustard Plug) If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel (who was also sucked into the Speed Force) and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!

REUPLOADED WITH FIXED AUDIO! On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Pat Casey (screenwriter of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG and VIOLENT NIGHT) try not to fall under the control of C.O.M.P.U.T.O. or get insulted by Gates as they discuss 1998's LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #100. What quickly becomes clear is that Matt really doesn't know a lot about the Legion of Super-Heroes.  He thought he did.  But he was wrong. It's okay though, because Pat does know a lot about the Legion.  In fact, he's pretty much a sprocking Legion expert (but unlike Brainiac 5, he's far too humble to admit it). So if you are a Legion novice - fear not because Matt has the questions and Pat has the answers! LONG LIVE THE LEGION! Support Pat by watching his movies and following him on BlueSky: @patcasey.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/) If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!

On this episode Matt and returning special guest co-host David Walton ignore the fact that there is no cover enhancement to be found (thereby calling into question the entire premise of the podcast) and discuss 1991's ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #474.  Set on New Year's Eve, this issue is a really moving character study of Clark Kent and a perfect encapsulation as to why the "Triangle Era" of Superman is a favorite for both Matt and David. Even though he had very little time to prepare prior to recording, David shares some genuinely insightful thoughts on Clark Kent's emotional journey in this issue and how it mirrors what Superman went through during the "Exile" epic. Matt, who had all the time in the world to prepare for the show, gets nostalgic about Casey Kasem's Nick-at-Nite New Year's Eve countdown, takes some cheap shots at John Byrne, and repeatedly talks about Galactus wearing a diaper. Happy New Year! Follow David on BlueSky: @benreilly149.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/) (While the theme song is not on this episode, you should always listen to Mustard Plug) If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel (GET WELL SOON!) and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host David Walton (making his podcasting debut!) duck holodiscs while also trying not to get burned by Firefist as they discuss 1995's SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #225. Look, there's no other way to put it than to say that this episode has a little something for everyone... Do you like thoughtful, well-written comic characters going through existential crises?  David's got you covered there. Do you have strong opinions on what your dog's favorite Spider-Man story is?  Matt's got you covered there. The guys also do a deep dive on the overall legacy of the Clone Saga, speculate on the possibility that Tom DeFalco wrote the Phil Urich Green Goblin as an homage to DC's The Creeper, and dicuss why Judas Traveller is actually cool, but probably should have ditched his entourage. Follow David on BlueSky for plenty of Clone Saga annotated goodness: @benreilly149.bsky.social Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/) If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Todd Dezago (writer of THE PERHAPANAUTS and SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN) try not to get smothered in acetate as they discuss 1995's SPIDER-MAN: MAXIMUM CLONAGE ALPHA (which Todd just so happened to have scripted). Comic books have always loved tie-ins to major events and now so do comic book podcasts, as this episode expands upon the discussion of the Spider-Man "Clone Saga" that began on Todd's own podcast RANDOM ACTS OF COMICS. In this discussion Matt clumsily tries to brand this as a "red skies" episode (yes, he's well aware that's a DC thing), Todd shares the strikinginly similar origins of both the word "clonage" and the name Spidercide, and the late great Tom Lyle is rememebered and celebrated. Writing nerds will want to pay extra attention because Todd helps Matt understand exactly how writing in the "Marvel style" works. NOTE: Todd's audio is a little low because he's still hiding from Spidercide and had to record from an undisclosed location. Support Todd by buying his comics and listening to his podcast: https://www.randomactsofcomics.com/ Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug (https://mustardplug.com/) If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Michael Tanner (writer of ORCS IN SPACE, JUNIOR BRAVES OF THE APOCALYPSE, and more!) see if the first ever glow-in-the-dark comic cover still has enough power to deliver a penance stare as they discuss 1991's GHOST RIDER #15. It turns out that there's A LOT Matt doesn't know about Ghost Rider, so Tanner has to explain Danny Ketch's need to nap in Central Park, Blackout's cosplay origins, why Johnny Blaze is so mad, how to properly pronounce Zarathos, who the hell H.E.A.R.T. is, and why anyone would ever think someone called Deathwatch might have good intentions. Also, what's up with Ghost Rider fighting ninjas?  That's just weird. Plus, Tanner delights Matt with the backstory to the song "Ghost Rider" performed by the Rollins Band for THE CROW soundtrack. But seriously, why does Ghost Rider fight so many ninjas?  Matt needs an answer. Support Tanner by buying his comics: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Michael-Tanner/142048197 Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!  

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Mat Elfring (host of I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MAT ELFRING) do their best to dodge the lunging Logan hologram on the cover and discuss 1993's WOLVERINE #75. This issue takes place in the immediate aftermath of Magneto ripping the adamantium out of Logan's body and is a surprisingly effective story about trauma and character exploration that even a Wolverine novice (like Matt) was moved by. Along the way Matt wonders if he can surf the information superhighway, while Mat makes a request for the most 90's haircut possible. Also, fan ownership dibs are called on PRIMAL FORCE (by Matt) and X-MEN 2099 (by Mat) - so sorry everyone, those belong to us now! Support Mat by subscribing and listening to his podacast I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MAT ELFRING Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all!

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Matthew Dow Smith (writer/artist THE OCTOBER GIRL) turn out the lights to find out if the story contained within the pages of 1993's THE SPECTRE #13 shines brighter than its glow-in-the-dark cover.   How is it that a comic published in 1993, set in a fictional country, featuring (the always cool) Count Vertigo, and starring a character with god-like powers can feel so relevant and relatable to today?   Plus, Matt shares his opinion that the duo of John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake make for one of the greatest collaborations in all of comics (actually, this is not an opinion - it's an undeniable fact), while Matthew shares his true feelings on The Spectre (you'll have to listen to find out what they are).   Also, they discuss Matthew's time as artist on the DAY OF JUDGEMENT series (written by Geoff Johns) and what it was like helping create a brand new Spectre.   This is a jam packed episode - so don't miss it!   Support Matthew by picking up a copy of his excellent graphic novel THE OCTOBER GIRL: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-October-Girl-Book-One/Matthew-Dow-Smith/The-October-Girl/9781960578594   Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all.  

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Ian Springer (screenwriter of FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS) try their best to not get distracted by the gold embossing on the cover and discuss 1993's BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #50. Does this reimagining of Batman's first encounter with the Joker hold up?  (Spoiler alert: it's written by Denny O'Neil, illustrated by Bret Blevins, and has a gorgeous cover by Brian Bolland - so the answer is yes.) Along the way Matt identifies the fatal flaw in the Matches Malone gimmick, Ian classes up the joint by quoting Eugene O'Neill (by way of THE WEST WING), and they both struggle to properly pronounce "Reipan" while trying to figure out who exactly the intended audience was for BATMAN RETURNS. Seriously, what more can you ask for in a comic book podcast? Support Ian by watching FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS (now streaming on Disney+ and available to purchase on DVD/Blu-ray). Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social  Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all.  

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Frank Pittarese rip open the polybag and discuss 1995's JASON VS. LEATHERFACE #1 (published by Topps Comics).   If you've ever wanted to see greedy land developers in Crystal Lake, Jason riding the rails like a hobo, Leatherface sleeping under a poster of Conan the Barbarian, and the shocking cliffhanger of a name written with chili, then boy oh boy, this is the comic for you!   But is it for Frank and Matt?  Listen to find out!   Contact the show: [email protected]   Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social